Who Am I

I am a photographer that loves to create beautifully real images of events and people’s worlds. I’m always looking for the light in people, that’s what’s most important in a photograph for me.

Documenting people’s souls lights me up. Fully. If I was asked to choose one person who made the most impact on my life to date, it would be my Nan. Mum and I went to visit her for Easter when I was 3…and left 7 years later! What an incredible woman she was, and the three of us had such an incredible bond. She was one of those people who would make you feel important and shone so brightly it gave you permission to do the same.  

I feel this in my photography.

She was funny, kind, and so much fun to be around. Life to her was about enjoyment, and not to be taken too seriously.

If you’re looking for realness with a hint of magic, then I’d love to work with you.

I love nothing more than to document people’s lives, but in a way that they shine brightly. They show their true selves, fully. The side of you that your close people see. 

Think of me like Berocca.

I MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE YOU, BUT ON A REALLY GOOD DAY.

Capturing moments with a smile

I have been capturing moments with a smile for almost two decades now, and I absolute love it. My interest in taking photos and photographs in general started back when I was about 7 years old.

I used to take photos of my family and friends, various toys, and even liked to put my hamster in random places like on Ken’s lap in my Sindy playhouse (yeah yeah, I know that Ken was Barbie’s man, but they all lived together…along with my Michael Jackson doll too!) I used to love making collages in my early teens and add them to a clip frame. Waaay back in the day before the digital world came into play, this was pure cut and paste, and I used to absolutely love it.

How I got started

Although I went on to study photography as my major in my Media degree and pass with a 2.1, my move into business was after a good friend gave me a gentle nudge to photograph a wedding that he was organising.

 “They said they wanted some relaxed candid photos, and you came to mind right away” 

UP UNTIL THIS POINT, I’D BEEN CONTINUING TO DOCUMENT MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THE SIDELINES, CAPTURING THEIR ESSENCE IN MY SNEAKY SNIPER WAY. BUT SOMEBODY’S WEDDING!?! YOU ONLY GET ONE SHOT AT THAT.

That’s how it all began, and to this day I’m proud of the fact that my first few weddings were taken on film! Not knowing how your photos were looking as you went through the day was so nerve wracking. But I did it. And then I went onto document many special occasion, parties, fancy dress, wedding anniversaries, christenings, family gatherings. All of those moments with a smile that you want to look back on fondly. I’ve been on the sidelines taking photos as the event unfolds. And I love it. My documentary style moved on into portraits, and although this involves some direction and posing, I do my best to keep it looking and feeling natural. No fake ‘say cheese grins’ on my watch!

I love people

I SEE THEM FOR WHO THEY ARE.

 I get this from my lovely Nan. She taught me to see into people’s souls and bring them out of themselves. Accepting people just as they are. Just as it should be.

That faint flicker or bright beacon of light that shines out of their eyes. That’s what I’m focusing on. And that’s what I want my camera to pick up. The way that your family and friends see you, I want you to see that too. At your best. You being you.

I’m an avid people watcher and love to document people’s ‘moments with a smile’. All of the parts of your life that you want to remember fondly forever.

I make friends easily, and even fall a little bit in love with them! This means your images matter to me almost as much as they will you. I adore a happy client; it makes me do a little dance!

7 random facts about me...

I LOVE GHERKINS!

I’ll happily munch on them straight from the jar. I’ve even been known to take a cheeky sip of the juice from jar once I’ve scoffed them all. Don’t knock it ’till you’ve tried it!

IF I WAS TO CHOOSE A MASTERMIND SUBJECT IT WOULD BE SONG LYRICS.

I’m not sure how or why but I seem to absorb lyrics like a sponge, and almost always have a bit of background music playing in my head! Due to this I’m a massive Karaoke fan and when I’m driving, I’m usually belting out songs at the same time. Gotta love a spot of Car-i-oke.

I WAS ON THE BIG BREAKFAST TWICE (LIVE TV SHOW IN THE 90’S)

Once as a game contestant (nope I didn’t win the 10k sadly) and once because they were doing a feature on the Queen mum and I’d met her…SO, I got in touch! As a teen I really loved the idea of working on live TV, and was obsessed with the show so I did anything I could to get on it! 

I AM OBSSESSED WITH NATURE.

Being in it, and looking at all the colours, patterns, textures and taking in the sounds. I love to go on long walks, and love to see new places.

I’M A LEFTIE.

which I think it’s obvious once you’ve met me! I’ve had a huge imagination ever since I was little and have always been more creative than academic.

I LOVE SMELLS!

I’ve always been comforted by certain scents, like clean washing and warm bread. This then led me to learning and using essential oils and I now reckon myself as a bit of an oily alchemist!

HOUSEPLANTS. THE LOCKDOWN OBSESSION IS STILL GOING STRONG!

We currently have 80 odd and it’s looking a little bit like a jungle! I love sitting in the conservatory with a cup of coffee surrounded by them.